MNN - Mother Nature Network

Dog handler Ernesto Lara hoists Banana Joe into the air after the Affenpincher won the Best in Show title at the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.

 

A total of 2,721 dogs from 187 breeds and varieties competed in the show, which was held on Feb. 11-12 at Madison Square Garden. First held in 1877, Westminster is hailed by organizers as the second oldest sporting competition in America, after the Kentucky Derby.

 

Banana Joe is crowned as the first ever Affenpinscher to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

 

The Affenpinscher beat out six other group winners, including a Portuguese water dog, a bichon frisé, an American foxhound, an Old English sheepdog, a German wirehaired pointer and a smooth fox terrier.

 

Rein, an American Eskimo Dog, flashes a goofy grin as Judge Joan P. Scott (right) proceeds with an inspection with handler Sandy Ray at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

 

A pair of Great Pyrenees kiss each other with their noses behind the scenes at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

 

A black standard poodle gives a silly face before competing in an event at Westminster.

 

A young girl demonstrates a dramatic size difference by standing next to a massive Great Dane at Westminster.

 

Cole, a Komandoro, is groomed by Val McMellis before being judged in an event at Westminster. The Hungarian Komondoro, a breed of livestock guardian dog, is best known for its unusually long, corded coat.

 

A judge inspects the teeth of an Afghan Hound during an event at Westminster.

 

Owen, a standard Poodle, hangs out while being groomed before judging at Westminster.

 

Schnauzers and other terrier-type pooches take to the famous green floor for judging during a Westminster event.

 

English Setters wait patiently to be groomed before heading out to be judged at Westminster.